10 BL DRAMAS THAT I CAN'T REWATCH BECAUSE THEY WERE JUST SO GOOD
You know the feeling when you're watching something and every minute of it is just so fulfilling that you don't want to watch it again, afraid of losing its spark that's now rooted in your brain+heart? That's exactly what I'm talking about
Some people might not think these dramas are the best or like otherworldly good when it comes to the plot, production and even acting at times (rarely) but they served just the right amount of everything. Keeping a steady pace and drawing shallow lines of quality is one of the most important factors in filmmaking, so congrats to everyone in these projects for making this possible!
Then again, it's all my personal opinion! You might not agree with me (I don't think you will tho ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
SPOILER ALERT! (DUHH
1: My School President
I thought starting soft would be nice! So here we go. "My school president" is one of the most successful high school and music oriented bl dramas I've ever seen. (And I've seen almost everything, so yeah you def can trust me on this.) Every single character was important, the pace was steady, the main leads did an excellent job despite their age! Anyways, good job!
It's a simple plot, the main boy has a crush on the other one and his best friend interferes with the situation and things start to happen.
Their feelings were portrayed nicely. Each character's dialogue felt so genuine, which might be hard to grasp with the kind of plot that's not really complex. Chemistry was perfect but the most important thing is that the characters were written so well to the point of not realizing their chemistry from the start but it was built up! The more their bond grew, the more their chemistry was becoming visible. Perfect and much, much better than classic chemistry on screen from the start. (They're good too, no shade about that
Let's talk about the OSTs and music in general in the drama. Personally, I'm not fond of THAT much music in Thai dramas being unnecessarily present. At this point, I can say that i hate seeing a guitar on the corner of the screen like a pervy man. No cause this thing is really outta hand bruh, like, there'll be a person on the verge of dying and BOOM a fucking guitar makes its entrance... But somehow this one is different (thank god). The music was good, harmonic and very well fitting. Didn't hurt my ears and didn't bore me. Whew, what a save.
It is just so good. I don't know what else to say really. Go watch it!!
2: The Eclipse
The Eclipse is an emotionally complex drama with a heavy plot, which is perfectly embroidered with the characters' development and the buildup of the story! I think this is one of the most important bl's when it comes to character growth. It makes you think twice about each character's pov and I feel like the series itself, subtly judges you for judging characters right from the start... So eventually you'll be sitting back and start to think; "Am I judging situations too early? Am I making groundless assumptions about people without knowing their side of the story?" Which I appreciate a lot! It's a really important message for younger generations who watch bl dramas.
There are also different expressions of love which I think are really special. Each character has their own way of showing love and protecting their loved ones. Love to see it. It was one of the most important reasons that made me think, "The eclipse" is one of the high quality dramas in the whole bl industry.
The whole series is so tense, both sexually and emotionally but you can still see the characters' childish sides slipping through when they no longer feel pressured. Which is hard to achieve as an actor, so yess the acting is def top notch! Everybody did a great job!
It's one of those series where you can't rewatch because it is just THAT good. The episodes are perfectly paced and the side characters were so great BUT I wanted to see more happy scenes and lovey dovey moments between them!! We at least deserve a couple of special episodes of them going to college! Like c'mon nowww-_-
3: Until We Meet Again
There are actually two reasons why I won't be watching this again, 1: It is so good, and 2: So sad. Brooooo I am not gonna cry because of this one more time! It's one hell of a plot, unique, perfectly paced, amazing chemistry for (both couples
I don't wanna spoil it too much but damn, if you watch bl and never heard of UWMA before, what can I even sayyyyy
It's a reincarnation forbidden love story set in the present day. This being the reason, it has so many flashbacks, the main (present day) couple carries part of their past selves' personality traits, hobbies and even feelings. There's this little problem though. They didn't really give the present couple identities of their own, it was always like they were a shadow, an heir to the past's passion. I know they are both reincarnations of the old couple but still. While the past couple's story was perfectly intertwined with their present versions, the present couple somehow felt like an unseasoned chicken. Seeing them after everything was settled and seeing how their dynamic could work from now on could have been better...
Side couples were great, so great that they had their own series as well! "Between us" was not as good as UWMA but it was still good, compared to many other bl's.
Last but not least, those "P'deannnn"s should've stopped at some point man, we get it. That's your man and you're shy and kawaii! All jokes aside, it is indeed a masterpiece!
4: Manner of Death
Manner of death is not your typical bl, It's a cool bl! (I had to make that joke im sorry) Pfftttdhdh no for real though, it's such a cool story. Now looking back, it was such an original bl. The execution of the plot was perfect, acting was unexpectedly good! Not talking about the main actors, they were pretty good at it.
I think their first roles were in "Together with me" or was it "Together with you"??? Lemme check real quick. Oh it's "Together with me" but obv their first drama was something called "Bad romance"???? I vaguely remember watching it but I didn't even put it on my bl list because it was indeed BAD. I mean "Together with me" wasn't three steps ahead from being bad either but like at least it wasn't there?? I think i gave "Together with me" a 6/10. Ngl it's quite generous of me but also I remember the actress from the series clear as day, loved watching her! So yeah 6/10. Good.
Back to the point, "Manner of death". As the name clearly states, a drama that's about an investigation of someone's death. Not a stranger ofc, the main character's childhood friend. Like its counterparts, the question is: Who is the killer? In these kinds of plots, whether they are from books, dramas, or movies, this is the hardest thing to grasp. But this drama nailed this! The sense of curiosity remains alive until the final episode. But oh man... The truth! The truth hits the right spot in hearts full of sibling love, it hits the most vulnerable spot. And I can't watch it again mostly because of this. I cried once and have no intention of doing that again!
Their love is nice, thrilling and full of doubt. Happy endings are there too, so, that's a yes!
5: Triage
Of course I planned this listing order, Dr. Bun, who stars as a main role in the "Manner of death" was also in "Triage"s last scene, as his character Dr. Bun. However, "Triage" is a couple of steps ahead of "Manner of death" in many aspects.
"Triage" follows the story of a doctor that finds himself stuck in a time loop. And to be able to get out of that loop, Dr. Tin needs to save Tol, who loses his life after a car crash. Matter of fact, Tol's death is the thing that triggers the time loop. On a different note, I think his death is the breaking point and that's exactly why everything clashed. It was like pulling the loose end of a tangled thread.
At first, Tol comes across as a spoiled brat, who doesn't hesitate to remove anyone from his life and obv doesn't care about anyone's feelings on a deeper level. You need to watch to understand him more. Tin tries to save Tol from the crash at first, but somehow Tol still dies at the same day. So he changes his ways, honestly what a man. He saves Tol. And because Tol is saved, loop's algorithm changes. New problem arises ofc, hospital's nasty aka illegal things and web of lies starts to come out to light. Then he dies, damn. Then because of him dying, loop's algorithm changes again and this time Tol finds himself stuck in this loop. Whewww. Even though loop's algorithm and overall dynamics of the drama changes, the main couple's relationship grows better because of it. But don't worry y'all, it has a happy ending. Half assed happy ending but better than bad ending I guess? God, I really hate last minute happiness in dramas.
All those things aside, this drama might be the best thai bl drama ever, and if not the best it'll always be in top 10 lists. If it's not, it should be! Acting was top notch! Side characters were amazing. The motives behind their actions were based on solid reasons. I guess the drama is based on a book? Let's praise the original creator, kudos to the author!!! Amazing storyline, perfectly built characters, unique plot, main couple's relationship's dynamic and how their love grows, it's one of the best I've ever seen!
You might get bored while you're watching the first and the second episode, but they're important for the baseline, so stay patient. Believe me it will be worth every single minute!
Other than all of this compliments (or one might say "facts") there are some tiny things I didn't like about the drama. I think the coloring should have been something that the producer/dp or whoever was in charge of that category, pointed out. Deeper scenes needed darker screens, it didn't bother me a lot but I could feel that it was missing. And even at some scenes, it was color graded like a soft, lovey dovey korean college drama... You get what I'm tryna say, right??? Oh anddd I might be a little late but we definitely deserved more happy scenes after their reunion! But all aside, everything was gorg! Amazing. What else can I say? It's a masterpiece.
6: Cherry Magic (Japanese, Original one)
If you wanna start watching bl dramas or you want to suggest a "safe" bl drama to your friend? Yup, this is the one!
The main character, Adachi, turns 30 as a virgin and BAMM suddenly, he starts to hear people's minds. But thanks to that, he hears that his popular and charming coworker Kurosawa has a crush on him. Even though he doesn't think too much of it at first, he can't help feeling moved by the pure love he's getting from Kurosawa. Kurosawa loves him so dearly, as if he's the rarest thing in the world. Then ofc, wavered by this love, Adachi starts to fall for Kurosawa as well. It's one of the most wholesome, swoon worthy bl dramas ever!
I can't watch it again because it's just so fulfilling in every way. Acting, pace, chemistry, side characters. Well, can't say the same for the side couple unfortunately. I was not really fond of this one's side couple that much but they weren't bad either. I just didn't like that a grown ahh man was acting like a freaking child waiting to be nurtured. Yeah other than that everything was perfect. You can feel their, well Kurosawa's love in particular, overflowing from the screen in each episode! Gorg!!
7: Unknown
Unknown is about a pair of siblings who live alone and adopt another orphan boy from the streets. Uhhmm soo it's a stepbrothers trope. Okay, I know, it's such a questionable plot. They grow together, the older sibling takes care of the boy and his little sister BUT like, they're not brothers AT ALL.
The scenario is written so well, the plot is not one of a kind type of story but the way it was portrayed carried this drama to a higher place. Feelings, incidents, friendships, family bond, all were portrayed so perfectly. Characters were built on amazing grounds, solid, unwavering, deep, complex and most importantly, human.
Well of course, I should congratulate the actors for their amazing performances as well. From childhood to present, main characters to the side characters, 10s across the board!!!
Won't be watching this again tho it was a little too heavy for me, emotionally. But you guys? You definitely need to watch this.
8: Ototo no Otto
Oh... I don't think my heart can take watching this again. It's not utterly sad but the grief is there, bittersweet is the most fitting word for this drama I suppose. The feelings I felt while watching this weren't overwhelming but it felt like nostalgia blew through my hair with the breeze. It felt like I was watching the sunset after a tough day, it felt like I was coming home but my room wasn't there.
It has only three episodes, but it's just the right amount of everything. Acting, cinematography, pace, scenario. Just perfect. A true masterpiece. The messages and topics were perfectly conveyed. I also learned that this was a manga but my thoughts on this are solely based on the drama, since I didn't read it.
Even though it only has three episodes, I don't think I can bring myself to watch this one more time. <3
9: Love for Love's Sake
"You mentioned this one before!" And??? What're you gonna do about it??? You guys should get used to seeing this drama in all of my positive lists of bl because it's really that good, and very much underrated. No though, I guess I won't add this one again so there'll be more room for other goodies as well. Just know that, till seeing something better from the korean bl, this is still the best of em.
The unique plot, dialogues, acting, side characters, cinematography! Everything is top notch. I love how the game idea was executed, the flashbacks, decisions are also amazing. It's one of those dramas that affects your way of thinking. I think it's a good example of decision making and its important role on even the smallest things. Good for the new and young bl viewers. So good to see it! It's a sad drama inevitably, but also hopeful.
WARNING! This drama contains sensitive topics such as assault, depression etc. Might be triggering for some people, please watch carefully!
10: Jack and Joker
Look who's here!! "En of love"s side couple! With their first and much better, serious drama! This couple's story caught so much attention that, their story was first released as a miniseries, then turned into a fully developed drama, which later on, carried them to a better project! I appreciate that a lot because the acting was there, chemistry was chemistrying so something had to be done!
Jack and Joker is about a debt collector and a thief. They meet so long before everything falls into the same fire. And the first flame came from the Joker. Years later they meet again. Their relationship grows over time. Angst, tension, resentment, guilt, love, friendship. Side characters are perfect, not only do they add layers to the plot and emotionally complex situations, they are all such good actors as well. Every single character has a purpose and a life of their own. Loved it! I think the only thing I wasn't very fond of was the child and the incidents that happened to her. I felt like they added the child thing just to make the viewers feel empathy for a little vulnerable pathetic cute girl. Weird because the target audience of bl is mostly women. So they actually didn't need to use such things, women will always understand motives, read between AND beyond the lines. So yeah there's that.
Also special episode's ending is not included in this positive comment, just letting you know. Cause what the fuck was that? Yeah, no
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Absolute BL
Too tired of the stereotypes in bl dramas? Don't worry, you're not alone. Mob is literally running from them. No, no I'm not joking. But the difference is that, he lives in the bl world. Literally. He tries to avoid every single trope that might happen to him, and he nails it... but then he can't.
This is such a fun drama that makes fun of the bl drama stereotypes but feeds off of the industry by simply existing in the same field hehehe. Plot is unique, chapters are so much fun, and I think it has three seasons?
The best thing about this series is prob seeing the writer in the series... Sick of seeing povs? Well get ready to see the creator of it then.
Be My Favorite
Highly underrated drama. Time travelling, consequences of one's actions aka butterfly effect, changing for good, it's a plot feast! Even though the plot is about going back in time and not really something never seen before, the way it was built is beyond ordinary. The scenario and acting was top notch. Well, both main actors are really good at their job so I expected nothing less than that.
I think the reason this drama didn't peak was mainly because of the chemistry. Since the main couple's relationship starts slowly, getting used to them being together on the screen is might take more time than your usual couples. But be patient, they'll shine together. <3
PS: I actually rewatch some of these dramas. So the term "unrewatchable" was meant as a compliment in the title hehe. But I skip the sad parts, can't do that again man. Oh and don't forget that, you won't feel fulfilled after watching these dramas if you watch them at x2 speed. Watch properly and carefully, or in the blink of an eye you might miss some special but small moments!! <333